Cuomo promises help for Oneida to recover from flood

Gov. Andrew Cuomo talks to reporters at the Oneida fire station Monday. Among the public officials who accompanied him was John Becker, right, chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors. (Dispatch Photo by NICK WILL)

Cuomo told a crowd at the Oneida Fire Department that he requested President Barack Obama issue a major disaster declaration for the state of New York as a result of severe storms and major flooding that occurred on June 27 and 28.

If the president approves the request from Cuomo, that could pave the way for federal disaster monies to be funneled to the area.

More than 13,000 people were without power at the height of the storm, Cuomo said.

In Oneida, over 160 households were displaced by the flood which was caused by levees on Oneida Creek overflowing. Acting Mayor Max Smith said he walked along the entire length of the levees since the flood and noted that there were a few areas that were damaged. He added that repairs are being made to the levees.

Flanked by state and local officials, Cuomo said that there was a long road of rebuilding in store for Oneida.

First and foremost, Cuomo said that public safety is the primary mission for Oneida. Further structure assessments will come.

Cuomo asked for flood victims to be patient with the recovery effort and acknowledged that storms bring out the best and worst in many people.

However, it seemed to bring out the best in Oneida, Cuomo added, pointing out the strong sense of togetherness he witnessed while touring the town.

Rebuilding, "will be a long-term effort," Cuomo said, promising to "rebuild Oneida" better that it was before the flood.

Smith said that officials are moving, "as swiftly as we can," toward recovery.

"We are putting all of our county assets into this," said Madison County Chair of the Board of Supervisors John Becker.